Sara Burrows today explains how a women’s cancer center in Asheville cannot purchase an MRI scanner because of the state’s certificate-of-need (CON) law.
Upon reading the story, Joey Stansbury of Raleigh shared his story showing the value of competition.
At the end of November I have surgery scheduled to repair a hernia.The first doctor I went to was not impressive in patient relations. No big deal as he was recommended by my doctor?s office. However he only performed the surgery at Rex. Rex is absurdly expensive for what is a minor surgery. I called the doctor?s office and told them it was ridiculous. They didn?t care. So I fired them basically.
Now I went doctor shopping. Found a better doctor (better referral) who is actually cheaper for the surgery and shopped around to every surgery center in the triangle area and got quotes. I brought down the quoted cost of the surgery by about $3500 as well.
Roy Cordato explained the economics of CON. Repeal is one step the state can take to increase access and lower medical costs. The October 18 Health Care Update also addressed CON. To keep up-to-date on health care and other policy areas in North Carolina, subscribe to the research newsletters.
